HISTORY
The Kiser story begins in Illinois on Bob Kiser’s farm where he grew corn and soybeans. The Kiser family became involved in the reining horse industry around 1978 and by 1986, the family were well-known members of the National Reining Horse Association, or the NRHA.
In 1986 the NRHA Futurity was moved to Oklahoma City and the arena footing was certainly less than desirable. The following year the conditions were even worse. The NRHA knew that they had to make a change to keep the prestige of the event and Bob Kiser was their answer. They asked him to take charge of the footing at the Futurity and he was able to provide the footing needed for an event of this magnitude. One of the first things that he did was to build a drag to help him manage the footing. He aggressively pursued better footing and equipment and soon the word spread. He was then asked to provide footing and equipment for the NRHA Derby and Kiser’s have managed the footing for and provided their equipment to the NRHA Futurity and Derby for over 32 years now. With the success of these events, the Kiser’s name quickly became synonymous with top-of-the-line equestrian arenas. Not only was the name associated with arenas and footing, but Bob also became known for developing the most innovative arena drags in the world. He continues improving his equipment even today.
As demand grew, Bob and his wife Linda relocated to Texas in 2000 to join their son Jim in starting Kiser Arena Specialists.
To date, Kiser Arena Specialists have been involved in the building of arenas in 42 states and 13 countries. Over $100 million dollars in prize money has been awarded on footing prepared by Kiser Arena Specialists and their equipment. They have also managed the arena footing for the NRCHA and NCHA Futurities, and AQHA World Championships for over 20 years each. They were selected to provide the footing and equipment for the 2002, 2006, 2010, and 2018 reining event at the World Equestrian Games. In 2011, Bob Kiser was inducted into the NRHA Hall of Fame for his contributions to the reining industry.
EVOLUTION
As Kiser continues to manage the footing and provide their arena drags for the AQHA, NRHA, NCHA, and NRCHA major events they continue to look for areas that need to be improved in the industry. Not only do they still build arenas and design equipment, they have now expanded into all aspects of arena footing, including ebb and flow arenas, geotextile arena additives, arena watering systems, dust control, fencing, HVLS fans, construction, excavation, and facility design and development. In 2019 they debuted their new line of arena drags and in 2020 will open a new location on Interstate 35 close to Sanger, TX that includes Woods, Titan, and Priefert equipment. The reach of Kiser will continue to grow because everything Kiser does is “Designed to be Trusted”.
To start working with or contact Kiser, give us a call at 888-512-3359 or fill out our contact form online.
TRUSTED BY INDUSTRY LEADERS
As an equine veterinarian, I know firsthand how vital the ground is to keeping a horse sound and free from injury. In an industry where its success comes largely from the strength behind a horse’s feet and its ability to move them, the surface on which these equestrian athletes perform must be precise and well-groomed. I consider Kiser Arena Specialists to be the “go-to” experts in arena footing. As equestrians we must be able to feel that we are putting our horses, and our investments, into a safe environment, and the footing in said environment is paramount to the training and showing of the equine athlete. Stepping into a Kiser arena, you can be confident that immaculate detail went into selecting the dirt below you. Not only does Kiser Arena Specialists know how to design, build, and outfit an arena, but they are the leading creators of the equipment needed to maintain these arenas. They understand that the job is not done when the arena is finished. Keeping an arena in the best condition requires vigilant maintenance and personalized care. With their creations of arena drags, watering systems, and dust control, the average consumer, along with the experienced horseman, can be confident that their arena is kept at Kiser quality. All too often people underestimate the importance of the arena and its footing, but it is far more intricate than just laying down dirt. Thankfully, the Kiser family understands the importance of arena surfaces, and the value of keeping your horse, and its rider, safe and able to perform to the best of its abilities.
— Glenn Blodgett, DVM
6666 Ranch, Horse Division Manager
AQHA Past President